Arkansas Driver's License

Commercial Driver's Licenses

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Arkansas can be classified into three:

Class A

One requires a Class A CDL when operating a commercial vehicle with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds. For combination vehicles, where a truck is towing another unit, the latter must weigh over 10,000 pounds.

Class A CDL holders are authorized to operate other types of commercial vehicles. The minimum age for obtaining this license is 18.

Class B

A Class B license is needed for operating a vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or greater. However, the trailer weight must not exceed 10,000 pounds. Class B CDL holders are also authorized to operate Class C commercial vehicles, but not Class A. The minimum age requirement for obtaining this license is 18.

Class C

Vehicles that meet any of the following descriptions will need a Class C CDL to operate.

• Transporting hazardous materials
• Carrying substances classified as toxins or select agents
• Carrying 16 or more passengers, counting the driver

Graduated Licenses

Arkansas implements a Graduated Driver Licensing law to help inexperienced teen drivers learn responsibly. The graduated driver licensing process has three levels: Learners, Intermediate, and Class D (also known as Unrestricted or Regular Licence).

Learners and Intermediate licenses are available for teen drivers, while applicants 18 years of age and above may directly apply for a Class D license.

Learner's License

This restricted license is issued to individuals between 14 and 16 years old. The license is restricted until the applicant turns 16 and completes six months of restricted driving. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must accompany the learner's license holder.

Intermediate License

This restricted license is issued to individuals between 16 and 18 years old. The license is restricted for six months from the date of permit issuance or until the applicant turns 16 (whichever comes first). During the restricted period, the license holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.

Class D License

Class D is the most common type of license, often called the "regular" driver's license. It's required for operating vehicles with a GVWR below 26,001 pounds, as long as they are not used for commercial purposes. Individuals 18 and above are eligible to get a Class D license.

The age of the license holder determines the length of validity of the license.

• Class D (Ages 18-21): Until one month after the license holder's birthday
• Class D (Ages 21+): Eight years
• Class D (Ages 70) *Optional: Four years or eight years

Class M License

Individuals aged 16 and above may obtain this license to operate motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or similarly classified vehicles with a displacement above 250 CC.

Class MD License

This license is mandated for operating motorcycles with an engine displacement under 250 CC. A Class MD license is accessible to individuals aged 14 to 15 years.

Motorized Bicycle (MB) Certificate

Aside from the licenses above, the Arkansas ODS issues a Motorized Bicycle Certificate.

A Motorized Bicycle Certificate is required to operate a motorized bicycle with an engine displacement of 50 CCs or under. This certificate is issued to individuals aged between 14 and 16 and is valid for a specific duration. Holders of other licenses, both commercial and non-commercial, are automatically allowed to operate a motorized bicycle.

Check Eligibility Criteria

For individuals aged 14 and above, an Arkansas learner's permit can be acquired to begin the journey towards becoming a licensed driver. On the other hand, those aged 18 and above who have never held a license can apply directly for a full (adult) driver's license in Arkansas.

Additionally, individuals holding foreign driver's licenses, except those from Manitoba, Canada, Germany, France, Taiwan, and South Korea, can also apply for an Arkansas driver's license by following the same process as first-time applicants.

Individuals who are military members, military spouses, or students with a valid out-of-state license do not need an Arkansas driver's license. However, there are certain situations where individuals may not be eligible for an Arkansas driver's license. These include:

• Having a suspended, revoked, or canceled out-of-state license
• Having pending moving violation judgments
• Having a suspended, canceled, or revoked Arkansas driver's license
• Being deemed unsafe due to substance use or mental health issues
• Being identified as at fault for a serious traffic accident
• Having a conviction for grave traffic violence in the last 12 months
• Inability to produce the required Identification (ID) documents

If deemed eligible, the applicant may proceed to the next step.

Prepare the Documentary Requirements

Driver's license applicants must bring the following documents:

• Documents proving legal presence in the U.S. as a citizen, such as a passport or a U.S. birth certificate
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S. as a non-citizen, such as a foreign passport or valid permanent resident card
• Social Security Number
• Name change document, if applicable
• Proof of identification
• Proof of residency if applying for a REAL ID

The complete list of acceptable documents is in the Required Documents List prepared by the Arkansas ODS.

Pass the Tests

The applicant must pass a combination of vision, knowledge, and skills tests to assess their readiness for the road.

Vision Test

To secure an unrestricted driver's license, the applicant must have a minimum natural eyesight clarity of 20/40. If the applicant requires corrective lenses, whether glasses or contact lenses, they should be worn during the test. For a restricted license, 20/70 is mandated.

Written Permit Test

A written test evaluates the applicant's knowledge of road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. Study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide thoroughly. Taking practice tests beforehand is highly recommended. A score of 80% is needed to pass the test. The written tests are done at the Arkansas State Police Drivers Testing Center.

After passing both vision and written tests, the applicant can now receive their learner's permit. This will be required to get the actual license later on. Applicants must hold on to their learner's permit for a minimum of 30 days before scheduling an appointment and passing the driver's test.

Driving Test

Contact the nearest state police troop office for information about testing times. A $40 fee is required for the driving test. Although appointments are not mandatory, it's recommended to schedule an appointment ahead of time through the Appointment Scheduling portal for convenience.

Visit the Nearest Revenue Office

Depending on whether the applicant is applying for a basic driver's license or a REAL ID driver's license, they will need to apply at the appropriate office. However, to make the process more convenient, they can pre-register on the Arkansas MyDMV portal.

Basic driver's licenses can be obtained at any local revenue office, while REAL ID driver's licenses require a visit to an Enhanced Security DL/ID Office.

Receive the License

After passing the required tests, paying the applicable fees, and providing the proper documentation, the individual can obtain a physical driver's license at any local revenue office.

For the applicable fees, contact a local revenue office or the Arkansas ODS at (501) 371-5581.

Note: Non-US citizens will need to follow the same steps. Just be sure to bring the correct documents for application to prove one's legal status in the country.

License Renewal

Renewing one's Arkansas driver's license is a simple process that requires an in-person visit to a local revenue office. Online or by-mail renewals are currently unavailable except for out-of-state residents.

In-Person Renewal

Individuals must visit their local revenue office in person to renew a driver's license in Arkansas. Before heading there, settle any outstanding traffic tickets or fines. Then, when visiting the office, bring the following requirements:

• Existing valid driver's license
• Renewal fee of $40 payable to the AR DFA
• Corrective lenses or contacts (if a necessity) for the vision test
• Proof of lawful presence in the state
• Identification documents
• Social Security Number
• Two additional documents from the list of required documents only if the applicant:
• Already holds an Enhanced Security Driver's License but needs to make corrections to their name, birth date, gender, SSN, or DL number
• Wants to upgrade to an Enhanced Security Driver's License

Renewal by Mail

For those working or studying out-of-state or serving in the military abroad and with an expiring Arkansas driver's license, there is an option to renew it by mail.

To do so, request a renewal application to be sent to one's current out-of-state address. Applicants can request this by calling (501) 371-5581, emailing the ODS at Driver.Services@dfa.arkansas.gov, or sending a letter to the mailing address of the Arkansas ODS below:

When making the request, provide the following information:

• Full name as it appears on the license
• Driver's license number or Social Security Number
• Permanent Arkansas address
• Temporary out-of-state address
• Contact phone number

Upon receipt of the renewal application, complete it in full and include the $40 renewal fee in the form of a check or money order payable to the "Department of Finance and Administration." Send everything back to the ODS address mentioned above.

License Replacement

The Arkansas ODS ensures that replacing an Arkansas driver's license is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below.

• Visit a local revenue office or Enhanced Security DL/ID office.
• Gather the required documents. This varies depending on the type of license the applicant previously had or wishes to upgrade. Applicants may pre-register for a license or ID through the DFA portal, which will show them which documents will be required.
• Fill out any form required by the appropriate office.
• Pay the $10 fee for a duplicate license.

How To Replace License While Out-of-State?

Individuals who lost their license outside the state or country may email or call the Arkansas ODS to check if they qualify for a license replacement by mail.